When WILL people finally evolve beyond religion into their unique spiritual selv

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   gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

   When WILL people finally evolve beyond religion into their unique spiritual selves,being
   
   no longer controlled by the foible that is called religion?
   
   

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2. 73

   manatita44posted 9 years ago

   The trick is either not to get caught up in it, or to see it as a necessary part of God's plan. Indeed many of the Greatest Christian Saints, never left the church. Their Hearts were as vast as the Universe, but they did not leave.
   
   Would you neglect your child because she wets the bed or soil her nappies? Is she there to convenience you? We all travel different parts, and diversity is essential! One person likes the Ja'dore of Christian Dior, another likes Gouchy, yet another Armani.
   
   I like french fries and perhaps you like your mothers pudding. Someone else like to eat only fruits. Look carefully here, and you will see that some of the most bitter attacks are among Christians. They are all my brothers and sisters, and the message here is not one of attack - I grew up in Christianity - but to inspire you to celebrate our differences.
   
   We are already uniquely spiritual. Some know this consciously, and some sense in an unconscious way. We are all filled with the inner flame, and this being God's world, it will manifest in its own ways, in each of us, at different times. Give Him the responsibility.
   
   Again, in one way, the spiritual life is so simple! We are here to work on our selves, not others. That is God's job. Let us play our part, consciously, devotedly and with the spirit of prayer, Love, service ... Gratitude then see what happens. They you can shoot me if this does not work. Ha ha.
   
   Personal note. How are you Grace? Are there two of you? I write with Love, but yes, sometimes I can be a little deep, some say, but I believe that you will understand this approach. Much Love.

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      Tusitala Tomposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Manatita44, you're answer comes from a place deeper than your personal, ego mind; it's inspirational - probably because you've worked to make yourself so.    Well written.  I like reading your answers to these types of questions.

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      manatita44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Tom. I have used yours too; given to those who can appreciate.Much Love.

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      ValKarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Manatita- The question is not really about "love-or-no-love", because every atheist can generate a lot of it  -  independently of motivation. The question is about religion where it speaks of sin, guilt, hell, abortions, gays, blood transfusions.

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      manatita44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, Vladimir, I understand. One has to be very wise, otherwise it can be like going down a minefield. My experience is that making the questioner introspect, empties the restless mind and helps the Heart and Soul more.
      We wish to Love, no?

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   tamarawilhiteposted 9 years ago

   This is an oxymoron.
   Spirituality is a type of religious thought, religions on a whole simply being more organized and codified.

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      ValKarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Tamara  -  Spirituality is seeking the answers from the depths of one's own inner resources, and evolving through discipline and meditation. Religion is seeking answers from outside sources  -  holy books, preaching, and basically a belief system.

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   Kiss andTalesposted 9 years ago

   religion is a word that covers a vast number of beliefs, people give their heart and soul to their country that is religion. It is not one defintion but many.

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   tsmogposted 9 years ago

   When will people grow beyond being a democrat or republican with their ideologies to become an American could emulate that question with concept IMO. With both cases addressed is the extreme where convention is the letter of definitions contrast the colloquialism the spirit of the definition. For instance if you accept social security actually you are not true republican based on ideology. How many who vote republican are on social security?
   
   We learned the concept of leadership in elementary school playing follow the leader. That mimics the concept of leadership, followers, and religion seen as an ideology. Do as I do and follow me as I do in everything. Then arrive further definition for a 'true' follower. If one child follows but is not within mathematical alignment are they a true follower? Can they still be a follower?
   
   In that case they are following some cosine of the true direction of the 'created' line even if elliptical no matter if original or not of the leader with 'her/his rules'. But, the teacher instructed them all. At, task is who is the true leader? So, in that case if not in alignment are they achieving their unique spiritual self?
   
   What of those who check the box on a form with good conscious saying they are a Christian, but never have attended church in their life? Or, haven't since Sunday school in elementary school. Are they a true believer in/of God? Can they conceive God? What if they do the next step and practice positive psychology principles but end those times of meditation with 'Thank you God for listening' and that has meaning to them?
   
   It is a matter of trying to define abstracts with something concrete. Per psychology and philosophy belief is founded on trust, faith, and acceptance. Those are all abstract nouns, thus are abstract concepts. Spirituality is an abstract noun. Religion is too. So, we have abstract concepts until defined individually first with justifications while remain is collective. So we see the word must be defined, accepted, and have some measure of faith and trust even if assumption. Next, arrive is argument if countered by another with definitions. Thus, collective enters the equation.
   
   That is why here we have a secret ballot with freedom of choice.

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